CARMOTIQ Model Research Report
Alfa Romeo Giulia
2016–2021
The Alfa Romeo Giulia MOT pass rate for cars first registered 2016–2021 is 86.7% across 29,097 official UK DVSA tests. This report then covers more than 34,382 recorded defect notes for Alfa Romeo Giulia models in that registration band. It shows common faults, MOT pass rates and maintenance trends to help you research the model before you buy.
Unlike a registration check, this report analyses how thousands of similar Alfa Romeo Giulia models have performed at MOT over time—not just one vehicle.
Report Dataset
- Official UK DVSA MOT tests analysed
- 29,097
- Recorded defect notes
- 34,382
- Registration era
- 2016–2021
- Coverage
- United Kingdom
- Snapshot
- 27 August 2026
- Research method
- Aggregated model-level MOT analysis
MOT pass rate
86.7%
of MOT tests passed
MOT tests analysed
29,097
Defect notes recorded
34,382
Key Findings
Alfa Romeo Giulia (2016–2021)
- 86.7% MOT pass rate across 29,097 tests.
- 67% of recorded defect notes relate to owner maintenance.
- Tyres account for the largest volume of recorded MOT issues.
- Engine management (MIL) warnings are the most common recurring systemic issue.
- Headlamp alignment appears throughout the vehicle's life, from low to higher mileages.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Research Summary
Based on over 29,097 official UK MOT tests, Alfa Romeo Giulia models registered between 2016 and 2021 achieve a strong 86.7% MOT pass rate.
The overwhelming majority of recorded MOT defects relate to routine owner maintenance, with tyres, lighting and dampers accounting for most common faults seen on used examples in this age band.
Recurring systemic faults occur far less frequently, although engine management warning lamp (MIL) defects appear consistently across the dataset.
Overall, the data suggests that this generation of Alfa Romeo Giulia is more likely to fail MOT due to maintenance items than widespread design faults, making service history and routine upkeep particularly important when buying used. Shoppers comparing a used Alfa Romeo Giulia should treat this research summary as model-level context before inspecting any individual car.
What this doesn't tell you
This report describes model-level MOT trends, not the condition of any individual vehicle.
Two identical Alfa Romeo Giulia models can have very different maintenance histories.
Use this report to understand common patterns before inspecting a specific car.
How we classify MOT faults
We group recorded DVSA defect wording into four research categories to help identify whether issues are more likely to reflect routine maintenance, expected wear, recurring model patterns or miscellaneous inspection outcomes.
- Owner maintenance
- Defects often linked to day-to-day upkeep — for example tyres, lamps, washers and other items a careful owner can usually prevent or fix promptly.
- Wear & tear
- Age- and mileage-related deterioration that accumulates with normal use, even when a car has been looked after.
- Systemic
- Recurring wording and patterns that appear across the model fleet and may point to design, component or known-model tendencies rather than one careless owner.
- Other
- Inspection outcomes that do not sit cleanly in the three groups above, including mixed or less classifiable defect notes.
How MOT failures break down
Share of recorded defect notes by category for Alfa Romeo Giulia in this age band (not MOT tests and not number of vehicles).
- Owner maintenance
66.6% · 22,900
defect notes
- Wear & tear
19.7% · 6,783
defect notes
- Systemic
2.1% · 738
defect notes
- Other
11.5% · 3,961
defect notes
Severity mix
How those defect notes were graded — advisory, minor, major or dangerous — summed across categories for this model band.
Advisory
27,724
defect notes
Minor
765
defect notes
Major
3,054
defect notes
Dangerous
2,839
defect notes
Most Common Owner-Maintenance Faults
DVSA wording grouped as owner maintenance for this model and age band.
Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
- Recorded
- 10,160 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 5.2.3 (e)
What it means
Tread is close to (or at) the legal minimum, or wear is concentrated on an edge. That often points to alignment, pressure or suspension issues as well as simple age.
Why it happens
Under-inflation, poor alignment, aggressive driving or simply delayed replacement push tread below a safe/legal profile.
Buyer tip
Measure tread across the full width, check tyre age (DOT date) and look for uneven inner-edge wear.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Headlamp aim too low
- Recorded
- 1,211 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 4.1.2 (a)
What it means
This MOT defect usually indicates incorrect headlamp alignment following adjustment, suspension movement or repair work.
Why it happens
Aim drifts after suspension work, bumper repairs, bulb changes or simply from road vibration over time.
Buyer tip
Check beam alignment during inspection and ask whether the lamps were aimed after any recent suspension or bodywork.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Shock absorbers has light misting of oil
- Recorded
- 319 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 5.3.2 (b)
What it means
A damper mounting bush is worn, which can cause knocks, vague handling and accelerated tyre wear.
Why it happens
Rubber bushes harden and tear with age, road salt and repeated suspension movement.
Buyer tip
Listen for clunks over speed bumps and have a mechanic check top mounts and lower bushes.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Windscreen washer not working
- Recorded
- 145 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 3.5 (a)
What it means
Washer jets are not delivering fluid. Testers need a clear screen; empty reservoirs, blocked jets or failed pumps are common.
Why it happens
Empty bottles, frozen/blocked jets, split pipes or a failed pump stop fluid reaching the screen.
Buyer tip
Top up fluid, test the jets on the driveway, and check for cracked bottles or split pipes in the engine bay.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Tyre pressure monitoring system malfunctioning or obviously inoperative
- Recorded
- 140 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 5.2.3 (h)
What it means
The tyre pressure monitoring system is reporting a fault or is clearly not working, so you may not get a dashboard warning of under-inflation.
Why it happens
Flat battery sensors after tyre changes, damaged valves or control-module faults are common.
Buyer tip
Confirm whether sensors need replacing after recent tyre or wheel work, and check pressures manually anyway.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect
- Recorded
- 95 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 4.1.2 (c)
What it means
This MOT defect usually indicates incorrect headlamp alignment following adjustment, suspension movement or repair work.
Why it happens
Aim drifts after suspension work, bumper repairs, bulb changes or simply from road vibration over time.
Buyer tip
Check beam alignment during inspection and ask whether the lamps were aimed after any recent suspension or bodywork.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Headlamp levelling device inoperative
- Recorded
- 52 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 4.1.5 (a)
What it means
The automatic or manual headlamp levelling system is not working, so beam height may not adjust correctly with load.
Why it happens
Failed levelling motors, sensors or switches stop the beam adjusting when the car is loaded.
Buyer tip
Test levelling controls (if fitted) and treat persistent warnings as a bargaining point.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Electronic stability control warning lamp indicates a fault
- Recorded
- 30 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 7.12 (e)
What it means
Electronic stability control is reporting a fault or related wiring damage. Stability aids may be unavailable.
Why it happens
Sensor, wiring or module faults disable ESC and light the dashboard warning.
Buyer tip
Check for ESC/ASR lamps on ignition and ask for a scan if any warning stays on.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Most Common Wear & Tear Faults
DVSA wording grouped as wear and tear for this model and age band.
Service brake excessively fluctuating rear discs pitted/worn inner
- Recorded
- 3 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.2.1 (e)
What it means
Service brake performance could not be fully verified, or a brake is binding/fluctuating. That often points to worn discs, seized calipers or hub issues.
Why it happens
Seized caliper slides, worn discs or contaminated friction material upset brake balance.
Buyer tip
Insist on a road test and a proper brake inspection; unresolved binding can destroy pads and hubs.
Severity
Usually wear related
Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak Rear silencer
- Recorded
- 2 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.2.1 (b)
What it means
Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
Usually wear related
Most Common Systemic Faults
DVSA wording grouped as systemic patterns for this model and age band.
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction
- Recorded
- 167 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.1.2 (h)
What it means
The engine management warning lamp is on or not working. Stored faults can affect emissions, drivability and future MOT results.
Why it happens
Sensors, emissions equipment or wiring faults store codes that illuminate the MIL.
Buyer tip
Ask for a diagnostic printout and proof that the underlying fault — not just the lamp — was fixed.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material
- Recorded
- 164 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.1.11 (c)
What it means
A brake pipe is damaged or heavily corroded. Pipe failure can cause sudden loss of braking effort.
Why it happens
Road salt, stone chips and age corrode metal pipes, especially along the underbody.
Buyer tip
Inspect metal pipes along the underbody and near calipers; corroded pipes should be replaced before you rely on the car.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction
- Recorded
- 99 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.2.2 (g)
What it means
The engine management warning lamp is on or not working. Stored faults can affect emissions, drivability and future MOT results.
Why it happens
Sensors, emissions equipment or wiring faults store codes that illuminate the MIL.
Buyer tip
Ask for a diagnostic printout and proof that the underlying fault — not just the lamp — was fixed.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Anti-lock braking system wiring excessively damaged
- Recorded
- 4 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.6 (d)
What it means
The ABS system is reporting a fault or its wiring is damaged. You may lose anti-lock control in an emergency stop.
Why it happens
Wheel-speed sensors, damaged wiring or module faults set ABS warnings.
Buyer tip
Scan for ABS codes, check wheel-speed sensor wiring, and do not ignore a lit ABS lamp.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Steering locking device ineffective Track rod end locking nut loose
- Recorded
- 2 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 2.1.3 (d)
What it means
The steering lock is missing or ineffective. That affects theft protection and can be an MOT failure item.
Why it happens
Column locks wear, or aftermarket work interferes with the lock mechanism.
Buyer tip
Confirm the steering lock engages with the key removed and investigate any aftermarket column work.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Exhaust emissions - engine idle speed too high
- Recorded
- 2 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.1.2 (e)
What it means
Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Rear Road wheel has a welding defect cracked
- Recorded
- 1 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 5.2.2 (a)
What it means
A road wheel shows a crack or fracture. That is a structural safety issue, not a cosmetic mark.
Why it happens
Pothole impacts, corrosion or prior kerbing damage can crack alloy or steel wheels.
Buyer tip
Walk away or insist on replacement wheels and a re-test — do not treat this as a minor snag.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Emissions unable to be completed Engine oil level overfilled
- Recorded
- 1 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.1.2 (d)
What it means
Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Recent year-by-year category counts
Defect-note totals by calendar year in the serving extract (not MOT tests, not vehicles, and not a prediction).
| Year | Owner maintenance | Wear & tear | Systemic | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| defect notes | defect notes | defect notes | defect notes | |
| 2021 | 2,312 | 686 | 70 | 349 |
| 2022 | 3,502 | 1,107 | 76 | 498 |
| 2023 | 4,194 | 1,243 | 99 | 571 |
| 2024 | 4,490 | 1,281 | 149 | 740 |
| 2025 | 4,541 | 1,322 | 155 | 767 |
| 2026 | 2,312 | 705 | 148 | 433 |
Buying a used Alfa Romeo Giulia: practical MOT checks
- Measure tyre tread across the full width and check age (DOT date) before you buy.
- Ask for a full service history that matches the mileage.
- Compare this model with a peer in the same age band, not against a single registration check alone.
- Confirm any warning lamps (engine management, ABS, SRS) are investigated, not just cleared.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Alfa Romeo Giulia MOT pass rate for 2016–2021?
- In this extract, Alfa Romeo Giulia shows a 86.7% MOT pass rate across 29,097 recorded DVSA tests.
- What drives most Alfa Romeo Giulia MOT defect notes?
- About 67% of recorded defect notes are classed as owner maintenance, with tyres among the highest-volume items.
- Is this the same as checking one registration on GOV.UK?
- No. GOV.UK shows one vehicle. This page aggregates MOT outcomes for the Alfa Romeo Giulia model in a fixed UK registration age band so you can research the model before you shortlist cars.